Politics
Republicans in Blaine and Lincoln counties have censured Rep. Jack Nelsen for votes they claim contradict GOP principles. Citing multiple bills—including a private school tax credit and a mask mandate ban—party leaders are seeking a meeting for Nelsen to explain his decisions. Although a censure is not legally binding, it signals strong disapproval.
Idaho Governor Brad Little has signed a law increasing the state’s grocery tax credit from $120 to $155 per year. The move aims to help Idahoans offset the sales tax on food.
An Idaho bill that would allow the death penalty for adults who sexually abuse children aged 12 and younger is advancing to the House. Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, the bill also includes mandatory minimum sentences for other child sex crimes. A House vote is expected soon.
The Idaho Legislature is likely to miss its March 21 adjournment goal, as key budgets—including Medicaid and K-12 education—remain unsettled. Lawmakers expect budget-setting to continue into next week, with some predicting the session could extend into April.
Crime & Legal
A Twin Falls couple is suing the city’s police department after officers shot Matthew Livingston at his front door last January. Livingston claims an officer fired without warning while he held a rifle in a non-threatening position. Police deny the claims, and a review deemed the shooting justified. Both sides are now in mediation.
Authorities in Jerome County arrested 54-year-old Lynda Hansen of Twin Falls for attempting to smuggle tobacco into a detention center kitchen. This follows a January investigation into contraband, which led to the February arrest of 43-year-old Kari Bento on felony charges, including introducing contraband and sexual contact with inmates.
Idaho State Police dispatchers played a key role in quickly identifying and arresting a suspect who fired at a driver on I-90 in January. Using investigative tools, they tracked the suspect within an hour, likely preventing further violence. One dispatcher received a Distinguished Achievement Award for her efforts.
Idaho fugitive Daniel P. Floyd, convicted of possessing destructive devices, was captured in Indiana after skipping a sentencing hearing in February. U.S. Marshals arrested him in Fort Wayne, where he awaits extradition to Bonners Ferry.
Traffic Alert
Heads up, drivers! I-84 at the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168) will close overnight Monday and Tuesday for bridge work. Eastbound lanes will close Monday from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and westbound lanes will close Tuesday during the same hours. Detours will be in place using the on- and off-ramps. Expect ongoing closures, traffic shifts, and ramp changes through 2026.
Sports
In high school baseball, Twin Falls dropped both games in a doubleheader against Vauxhall Academy (Alberta, Canada), losing 6-0 and 12-8. The Bruins struggled offensively in game one, managing just two hits, while game two remained tight until a seventh-inning home run sealed the Jets’ win. Twin Falls will face Highland and Rocky Mountain tomorrow.
Gooding staged a dramatic comeback, scoring six runs in the third inning to defeat Declo 8-7 in a game shortened to three innings. Gooding hosts Wood River on Tuesday, while Declo meets Filer tomorrow.
In American Falls, a tale of two games saw the Beavers edge Glenns Ferry 13-11 in game one, but the Pilots responded with a dominant 16-0, no-hit performance in game two. Glenns Ferry will host Lighthouse Christian on Monday.
In 4A action, Marsh Valley outlasted Kimberly 9-6, with a late steal of home sealing the game in the sixth inning. Kimberly had rallied from a 6-0 deficit but fell short. They’ll take on Mountain Home tomorrow.
Lighthouse Christian opened its season with an 11-6 win over Idaho City, thanks to Karsten Sweesy’s strong 10-strikeout performance. The Lions visit Glenns Ferry on Monday.
In interclass action, Filer dominated Wendell 17-5 in five innings, with Ava Smith leading the Wildcats with three hits and four RBIs. Wendell’s Tyree Sears hit a home run in the loss. Filer visits Declo on Saturday, while Wendell travels to Melba on Friday.
In 4A softball, Gooding powered past Buhl 15-5 behind a seven-run third inning. Jaelynn Patton and Kodi Garza led Gooding with two hits each, while Olivia Rogers pitched a complete game with eight strikeouts. Gooding visits Jerome today, and Buhl hosts Wood River on Monday.
Kimberly cruised past Marsh Valley 15-0, with Addi Cann leading the way with three hits. Kimberly will host Minico for a doubleheader tomorrow.
In 2A action, Glenns Ferry opened its season with a 12-2 win over Garden Valley. Taylor Martinez was dominant, striking out 12 while allowing just two hits. Glenns Ferry plated nine runs in the second inning to seal the win. They’ll host Idaho City today.
In men’s high school basketball, Boise State rallied from an 11-point deficit to defeat San Diego State 62-52 in the Mountain West quarterfinals. Alvaro Cardenas led with 16 points, while the Broncos’ defense held the Aztecs to just five second-half field goals. Boise State faces No. 1 seed New Mexico tonight at 7:30 p.m. Mountain Time.
The CSI Women’s Basketball Team fell to Salt Lake CC in the Region 18 Tournament, ending their season at 23-8. Despite a strong start, CSI struggled offensively, shooting just 29% from the field. Kennedy Gillette led with 24 points. Salt Lake faces Snow College in the championship today at 3 p.m.
Weather
A mix of rain and snow is possible this afternoon, with a high near 44°F. Tonight, expect scattered rain and snow showers with lows around 32°F. Saturday will stay mostly cloudy with breezy conditions and a high near 46°F. Rain chances increase Sunday with highs near 59°F. More rain is expected Monday before cooling midweek, with a chance of snow Tuesday.
- Today: A slight chance of snow showers after noon, mixing with rain after 3 p.m. Increasing clouds, with a high near 44°F. Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Tonight: A chance of rain and snow before midnight, then a slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32°F. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Saturday: A chance of snow before noon, then a chance of rain and snow between noon and 3 p.m., then rain after 3 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46°F. Breezy, with gusts up to 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
- Saturday Night: A chance of rain and snow before 3 a.m., then rain. Low around 35°F. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
- Sunday: A 50% chance of rain, mainly before noon. High near 59°F.
- Sunday Night: A 20% chance of rain after midnight. Low around 37°F.
- Monday: Rain likely after noon. High near 51°F. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
- Monday Night: A chance of rain before midnight, then a slight chance of rain and snow. Low around 30°F.
- Tuesday: A 30% chance of snow, mainly after noon. Breezy, with a high near 45°F.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27°F. Blustery.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 50°F.
- Wednesday Night: A slight chance of rain and snow. Low around 33°F.
- Thursday: A chance of rain and snow. High near 50°F. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
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