Your Daily Briefing – 03/06/2026

MAGIC VALLEY NEWS

2026 Idaho Election Races Set
The candidate filing deadline has passed, and races are now set for Idaho’s 2026 elections. Candidates have filed for 105 seats in the Idaho Legislature and seven statewide offices. Here in the Magic Valley, District 24 and 25 races are shaping up with several Republican and Democratic challengers. Statewide, Governor Brad Little faces multiple primary opponents, while other races include contests for Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Fatal Wrong-Way Crash Near Hollister
One person is dead after a head-on crash early Thursday on Highway 93 just north of Hollister. Idaho State Police say a Twin Falls man was driving the wrong way when the vehicles collided. Alcohol is suspected.

Bill Targets DEI Policies in Medicaid Providers
A new bill would ban Medicaid-funded healthcare providers in Idaho from using DEI policies in hiring or training. The proposal now heads to a full public hearing at the Statehouse.

Michael Vaughan Case Moves Forward
The case against Stacey Wondra in the death of missing Fruitland boy Michael Vaughan is moving to district court. A judge ruled yesterday there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.

Kimberly Schools Lockdown After Threat
Kimberly schools briefly went into a Secure and Teach yesterday morning after a social media threat. Police say it came from a 15-year-old in Iowa. The situation was cleared around 10:45 and classes continued as normal.

Lawmakers Debate Return of Presidential Primary
After low turnout in Idaho’s 2024 caucus, lawmakers are considering bringing back the presidential primary. Phil McGrane called the caucus turnout “dismal,” and legislators are debating whether to hold the primary in March or May.

Wildfire Protection Funding Rejected
Idaho lawmakers rejected nearly 285-thousand dollars in funding to restore wildfire protection programs. Officials warn the cuts could mean fewer seasonal firefighters.

Boil-Water Advisory in Albion
Another boil-water advisory has been issued in Albion. City officials say customers on the south side of Market Street who lost water pressure should boil water until further notice while the issue is being fixed.

Hispanic Affairs Commission Funding Debate
Idaho lawmakers are considering a bill that would phase out state funding for the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs by 2028, requiring the commission to rely on private funding if it continues operating.

Student Walkout Bill Rejected
An Idaho House committee has rejected a bill targeting student walkouts. The proposal would have required schools to give unexcused absences to students who leave class to participate in political protests.

Child Neglect Definition Bill Fails
An Idaho House committee has rejected a bill that would have narrowed the state’s definition of child neglect. Critics say the change could make it harder to remove children from dangerous situations.

HP Leaving Boise Campus
Hewlett-Packard plans to leave its Boise campus by the end of 2027. The company says it will consolidate operations into hubs in Portland and Corvallis, Oregon as part of a global restructuring plan.

Historic Water Settlement Announced
Idaho leaders have announced a historic water rights settlement with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Governor Brad Little says the agreement protects Coeur d’Alene Lake while ensuring reliable water access for communities and businesses across North Idaho.

Twin Falls Man Sentenced to Life in Prison
A Twin Falls man will spend the rest of his life in prison after being convicted on multiple charges including kidnapping and rape. Jonathan Nelson received several life sentences, along with additional prison terms, after a jury found him guilty.

Early Morning Semi Crash on I-84
We have breaking news this morning that could impact travelers heading toward Boise. Idaho State Police are investigating a commercial truck crash that happened around 1:19 early this morning on westbound Interstate 84 at the Blacks Creek/Kuna-Mora Road overpass in Ada County. Troopers say a 57-year-old driver from Ontario, California lost control of a Freightliner semi, left the roadway, and went down the embankment beneath the overpass. The driver was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured. All lanes of I-84 are open, but Blacks Creek Road at the interstate remains closed while crews recover the truck. Travelers in the area should plan for delays.

SPORTS

Wendell Advances to State Semifinals
The Wendell Trojans are headed to the semifinals at the 3A State Boys Basketball Tournament after a big second half lifted them to a 61–52 win over Soda Springs Thursday night. The Cardinals led 30–29 at halftime, but Wendell took control in the third quarter, outscoring Soda Springs 19–9. Jonathan Swainston led the Trojans with 24 points, including four three-pointers. Jordon Swainston added 13 points, while Martin Nava scored eight. Wendell now faces New Plymouth tonight at 7 p.m. in Meridian with a spot in the state championship game on the line.

Twin Falls Falls at 5A State Tournament
At the 5A State Tournament, Bishop Kelly held off Twin Falls 49–46. Ty Hess led the Bruins with 24 points and Trey Billings grabbed 18 rebounds. Twin Falls now faces Bonneville tonight at 7 p.m. in Boise in an elimination game.

Burley Drops Game to Lewiston
Lewiston defeated Burley 60–55. Nash Gillette scored 21 for the Bobcats, who now play Vallivue tonight at 5 p.m. in Meridian.

2A Tournament Results
At the 2A Tournament, North Star Charter rallied past Valley 49–44. The Vikings face Grace today at noon in Nampa in an elimination game. Prairie beat Murtaugh 53–36. The Red Devils play Rimrock today at 2 p.m.

1A Tournament Action
In 1A action, Carey defeated Timberline 43–35 and will face Rockland today at noon in Caldwell. Rockland beat Dietrich 69–33, sending the Blue Devils to an elimination game today at 5 p.m.

4A Tournament Results
At the 4A Tournament, Teton beat Filer 63–36, while Bonners Ferry edged Gooding 62–60. Gooding now faces Filer today at noon in Eagle.

Boise State Softball Splits Games
Boise State softball split games yesterday at the Blue-Collar Classic. The Broncos fell to Cal Baptist 5–1, then bounced back to beat Portland State 8–1 behind Marissa Gonzalez, who had three extra-base hits and four RBI. Boise State hosts Portland State tonight at 6:30.

Idaho Vandals Women Honored
The Idaho Vandals women’s basketball team has been named the Big Sky Commissioner’s Team of the Month after going a perfect 8-and-0 in February. Idaho has won 15 straight and opens the Big Sky Tournament Sunday morning.

Vandals Open Big Sky Tournament
The Idaho Vandals open the Big Sky Tournament Saturday night in Boise, taking on Sacramento State. Idaho finished the regular season 17-and-14 and tips off against the Hornets at 8 p.m. Mountain Time at Idaho Central Arena.

MAGIC VALLEY WEATHER