Your Daily Briefing – 03/31/2026

MAGIC VALLEY NEWS

Fatal Crash Near Buhl
Police investigated a deadly crash in Twin Falls County after a 29-year-old man from Buhl died when his pickup left US-30, went through a fence, and struck a tree early yesterday morning.

Jail Overcrowding Crisis
The Twin Falls County Jail is operating well beyond capacity, currently housing around 340 inmates in a facility built for 250. The sheriff’s office has already transported 30 inmates to Boise in an attempt to relieve pressure.

School Funding Votes Ahead
Idaho voters will decide on more than $181 million in school funding measures this May. Wendell is requesting $1.2 million, Shoshone $600,000, and Minidoka $7.7 million. Cassia is seeking nearly $6 million, while Kimberly is proposing a $58 million bond. Glenns Ferry and Filer are also asking for funds tied to staffing and classrooms.

Union Restrictions Bill Revived
The Idaho Senate has revived legislation that would limit school ties to teachers’ unions, including banning dues deductions and restricting union access to staff. A vote is expected soon.

Firing Squad Law Protest
A protest is scheduled today ahead of Idaho’s July 1 deadline allowing firing squad executions, as advocates push back against the new law signed by Governor Brad Little.

Immigration Enforcement Bill Advances
An Idaho Senate committee has advanced a bill requiring local law enforcement to partner with federal immigration authorities. Lawmakers indicate changes may still be made before a full Senate vote.

State Health Budget Moves Forward
The Idaho House approved a $5.6 billion health budget that includes cuts. The proposal is now heading to Governor Brad Little for final consideration.

Early Canal Water, Lower Supply
Canal water is arriving early across the Magic Valley due to dry conditions, but farmers are expected to see about a 16% reduction in water supply this season.

Medicaid Changes Could Reduce Coverage
New federal Medicaid rules may lead to fewer people being covered nationwide. In Idaho, enrollment could drop significantly as work requirements and eligibility checks take effect.

Bill Targets Local Officials
A bill moving through the Idaho Legislature would allow Attorney General Raúl Labrador to seek removal of local officials who willfully violate state law, pending approval from Governor Brad Little.

Shoshone School Lockdown Cleared
Authorities found no credible threat after a lockdown at Shoshone schools triggered by a message written on a bathroom wall. Classes have since resumed as normal.

SPORTS

Baseball Rankings Update
Bonneville holds the top spot in the latest high school baseball rankings, followed by Sandpoint and Burley. Twin Falls ranks fourth, with Hillcrest rounding out the top five. Minico sits at 13, and Jerome is at 21 as the season continues.

All-State Honors for Magic Valley Athletes
Nine Magic Valley players earned all-state recognition. First team honors went to Trey Billings of Twin Falls, Nash Gillette of Burley, and Jordon and Jonathan Swainston of Wendell. Second team selections include Carter Robertson, Bridger Pope, Devin Christensen, Clancy Rablin, and Stockton Sears.

Today’s High School Schedule
High school varsity baseball continues today with Canyon Ridge hosting Thunder Ridge at 3 p.m. Jerome opens a doubleheader at Mountain Home at 3, while Burley faces Twin Falls in another twin bill starting at 3. Kimberly travels to Buhl for a 3:30 start, and Wood River visits Minico for a doubleheader at 3:30. Declo takes on American Falls at 4. Second games include Jerome at Mountain Home at 5, Burley at Twin Falls at 5, and Wood River at Minico at 5:30.

Softball Schedule Change
Thursday softball games have been moved up due to weather. Jerome will now play at Burley on Wednesday, April 1, with varsity and JV games scheduled for 3 and 5 p.m.

Recent Game Results
Gooding swept Glenns Ferry in baseball, winning 15-0 and 24-4. In softball, Skyline defeated Wood River twice, 11-2 and 11-9. Firth beat Declo 22-12, and Glenns Ferry edged Idaho City 3-2.

Vandals Impress NFL Scouts
Eight Idaho Vandals players showcased their talent at Pro Day inside the Kibbie Dome, drawing attention from NFL teams including the Seahawks, Bears, Cardinals, Broncos, and Packers. Nate Azzopardi, Jhamell Blenman, Isiah King, and Zach Krotzer delivered standout performances.

Alyssa Yee Earns Weekly Honors
Idaho State’s Alyssa Yee has been named Big Sky Co-Player of the Week after batting .750 with nine RBIs in a series win over Weber State, recording nine hits including four doubles and a grand slam.

WEATHER

Stormy Pattern Midweek
Cloudy conditions today with showers likely and a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon, with a high near 63. Showers continue tonight with a low around 42.

Wednesday Outlook
Showers and thunderstorms remain likely Wednesday, with a high near 61 and gusty winds up to 24 mph. Overnight lows drop to around 35 with continued precipitation.

Rain to Snow Transition Thursday
Rain showers are expected Thursday morning, transitioning to snow showers between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., with a high near 46 and breezy conditions. Little to no snow accumulation is expected.

Weekend Warm-Up
Conditions improve heading into the weekend with sunny skies Friday and a high near 53. Temperatures continue rising into the 60s Saturday and near 70 by Sunday, with mostly clear skies.