IDAHO NEWS HEADLINES
State Budget & Politics
Idaho revenues are nearly $98 million below forecast, shrinking the ending balance from $420 million to $322 million. Lawmakers say no cuts are planned, but some warn of future impacts. The Legislature’s budget committee meets Monday in Idaho Falls for an update.
A new Idaho law expanding breast cancer screening coverage takes effect Jan. 1, 2026. The Department of Insurance is guiding insurers to prepare. The law requires free annual MRIs for high-risk patients.
Governor Brad Little praised President Trump’s trade deal with the UK during a White House visit yesterday, calling it a big win for Idaho agriculture. Little plans a diplomatic trip to the UK this fall to boost Idaho exports, including beef, dairy, and potatoes.
Public Safety & Crime
Idaho State Police are investigating a motorcycle crash on US30 near Buhl that sent a 65-year-old Florida man to the hospital by air ambulance. The rider lost control and crashed just after noon yesterday.
Idaho’s ICAC Task Force arrested 12 people during April’s Operation Unhinged, targeting internet crimes against children. Among those charged is 34-year-old Hector Martinez-Cabrerra of Jerome. Officials say more arrests may follow pending device reviews.
A 15-year-old boy died after re-entering a burning home in Boise County on May 4. Officials say the cause of the fire remains undetermined due to extensive damage. The teen was initially safe but became trapped inside.
A Garden Valley family had a terrifying kayak accident on the Payette River Sunday after hitting a downed tree. Officials warn rivers are still high, fast, and cold. There are water safety classes being conducted in southern Idaho.
Bree Derrick is now director of the Idaho Department of Correction. She plans to focus on staff support and rehabilitation. Derrick says construction of Idaho’s firing squad execution unit will begin soon, citing uncertainty over lethal injection drugs.
A West Ada teacher is resigning after being told to remove a classroom poster that read “Everyone is Welcome Here.” Sarah Inama says the district’s decision reflects deeper intolerance. The district is reviewing its content policy.
Environment
Sun Valley Resort has won the top national environmental honor in the ski industry—the NSAA Golden Eagle Award—for its geothermal snowmelt system. The eco-friendly setup at Warm Springs Lodge cuts carbon emissions by over 100 tons a year, showcasing Idaho innovation.
Sports
Gooding High has hired Wendell’s Jon Helmandollar as its new head football coach. The longtime coach and former Boise State running back replaces Tanner Baumann, who becomes Gooding’s new activities director. Helmandollar says the chance to build a strong program in a football-focused community was too good to pass up.
The Idaho High School Activities Association kicks off the 2025 State Baseball and Softball Tournaments today, running through Saturday. Teams from across the state will compete for titles in various classifications.
The College of Idaho softball team secured a 4–2 victory over Saint Xavier (IL) on May 14, 2025. Pitcher A. Brooks earned the win, improving her record to 14–8. Key offensive contributions included a two-run homer by M. Powell and a pair of doubles from L. Walker.
With the departure of linebacker Andrew Simpson, Boise State’s Jake Ripp is expected to take on a starting role at the WILL linebacker position. Known for his pass-rushing abilities, Ripp aims to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
College Basketball Updates find the Boise State Broncos have added forward Drew Fielder, a transfer from Georgetown, to bolster their frontcourt depth.
The University of Idaho men’s basketball team returns nine players from last season, signaling continuity and potential for growth under Coach Alex Pribble’s leadership.
The College of Idaho men’s basketball team won the 2025 NAIA National Championship, defeating Oklahoma Wesleyan in the finals. This marks the Yotes’ third national title, with Samaje Morgan earning tournament MVP honors.
Athletes from the College of Southern Idaho are participating in the NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Hutchinson, Kansas, starting today.
Weather
Sunny and breezy today with a high near 63°F. Clouds move in tonight with a low of 46°F. Friday brings a slight chance of showers in the morning and a high of 63°F. Showers and possible thunderstorms are expected Saturday and Sunday, with highs in the mid-60s°F and upper 50s°F. Clearing returns Monday.
Today: Sunny, with a high near 63°F. West wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Tonight: Increasing clouds, with a low around 46°F. West northwest wind 7 to 15 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph.
Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63°F. West wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42°F. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Saturday: A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon. High near 64°F. East wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then showers likely. Low around 42°F. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Sunday: Showers likely, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56°F. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40°F. Breezy.
Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 64°F.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44°F.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 68°F.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44°F.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 74°F.
