Your Daily Briefing – 01/30/2026

STATE POLITICS & BUDGET

Possible Budget Cuts
Idaho lawmakers are asking public schools and Medicaid leaders to prepare for possible two percent budget cuts. That could mean fifty-five million dollars for K–12 education and nearly twenty million dollars for Medicaid, as lawmakers deal with ongoing revenue uncertainty.

Constitutional Convention Push
Idaho lawmakers are again considering a call for a constitutional convention to push a federal balanced budget amendment. Supporters say it would rein in spending, while critics warn of major risks and unintended consequences.

Pride Flag Bill
Republican Representative Ted Hill has revised his bill targeting Boise’s pride flag, adding daily fines and tighter flag restrictions. The proposal now heads to committee for a public hearing.

Tax Conformity Proposal
Idaho lawmakers are moving forward with a new tax conformity bill tied to President Donald Trump’s federal tax cuts. Supporters say the cost is still uncertain and could strain the state budget.

POPULATION & GROWTH

Census Update
New Census data shows Idaho remains one of the fastest-growing states in the country. The population rose 1.4 percent from 2024 to 2025, second nationwide behind South Carolina, as Idaho added nearly 29,000 new residents.

EDUCATION & SCHOOLS

National Guard Tuition Cuts
Idaho is cutting National Guard tuition assistance by nearly thirty percent due to budget shortfalls. Leaders say the cuts could impact recruitment and retention.

Four-Day School Week
The Jerome School District is again considering a four-day school week. District leaders are gathering community input now, with a final decision expected this spring.

Student Walkouts
Hundreds of Canyon Ridge and Twin Falls High School students walked out Thursday to protest ICE and recent events. The demonstration was peaceful, though some students may not be fully excused unless their parents intervene.

CRIME & COURTS

Jerome County Case
A Jerome County man has been placed on probation after pleading guilty to firing toward a neighbor’s home last year. Sterling McDaniel received a suspended prison sentence and is banned from possessing firearms.

TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE

Twin Falls Construction
Twin Falls begins utility work Monday for a new roundabout at Wendell, Martin, and Filer. Filer Avenue will be closed for two weeks starting February second. Drivers should expect delays.

SPORTS — HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL RESULTS (THURSDAY)

Boys

Carey edged Hansen in overtime, 74–70, after a tight rivalry battle.
Wendell stayed hot with a 69–59 win over Malad.
Murtaugh controlled Oakley early and won 55–32.
Raft River defeated Dietrich 68–46.

Girls

Burley beat Minico at home, 58–35. Jocelyn Lloyd scored 17, Ady Olmos added 15.
Carey spoiled senior night at Hansen with a 44–26 win after an 11–0 start.
Oakley defeated Grace 57–41.
Preston rolled past Canyon Ridge 50–21.
Kimberly dominated Wood River 57–21.
Mountain Home beat Twin Falls 65–43.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL — TONIGHT (FRIDAY)

Boys — 7:30 PM

Kimberly (4–12) at Buhl (5–10)
Dietrich (5–12) at Castleford (5–11)
Gooding (9–5) at Filer (8–10)
Carey (11–6) at Hansen (5–10)
Burley (7–9) at Jerome (2–12)
Minico (6–10) vs Mountain Home (2–14)
Wood River (5–11) at Twin Falls (10–6)

Saturday

Wendell (13–1) at Gooding, 7:30 PM
Glenns Ferry (0–12) at Rimrock (12–1)
Declo (7–8) at Soda Springs (10–4)

Girls

Tonight: Gooding (8–11) at Filer (14–3), 6:00 PM
Tonight: West Side (7–13) at Declo (5–14), 7:30 PM
Saturday: Burley (11–7) at Pocatello (12–7)
Saturday: Minico (1–17) at Wood River (13–5)

CSI & COLLEGE SPORTS

CSI Men
Fourth-ranked CSI men escaped with a 78–74 win over USU Eastern, staying perfect in conference play. Cooper Kesler scored 22, Ben Thornbrue added 19. CSI is now 22–1.

CSI Women
CSI women fell to USU Eastern 76–62. Ashley Garner led with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Savannah Stoker posted a double-double. Both teams travel to Snow tomorrow.

CSI Baseball
CSI used two home runs and strong pitching to beat Scottsdale 10–6. Trey Purser drove in four runs, and Mack Evans added a key homer. The Golden Eagles play a doubleheader today at noon.

Boise State
Boise State goes White Out Tuesday night against Nevada at seven. Fans are encouraged to wear white, with Tamarack Resort on site for giveaways.

Idaho Vandals
The Idaho men lost on the road to Northern Colorado 91–83, despite 29 points from Jackson Rasmussen. Kolton Mitchell scored 19. The Vandals visit Northern Arizona Saturday.
The Idaho women won 62–55 on the road. Hope Hassmann and Lorena Barbosa scored 15 each. Idaho is now tied for first in the Big Sky.

Idaho State
Idaho State women host Weber State tomorrow at 2:00 PM in Reed Gym. Weber State brings the Big Sky’s top defense.
Idaho State softball was picked first in the Big Sky preseason poll. Ava Brown was named preseason MVP, and five Bengals earned all-conference honors.

STATE NEWS

Sun Valley
A man has died following an apparent skiing accident on Bald Mountain in Sun Valley. Ski patrol responded Sunday afternoon and transported the skier to St. Luke’s, where he later passed away.