IDAHO NEWS
Agriculture Relief
Idaho farmers hit hard by falling crop prices will receive federal emergency payments under a $12 billion relief package announced by the government. Crop prices have declined for three straight years while production costs remain high. Officials say payments should reach farmers by late February.
Flood Emergency in North Idaho
Shoshone County has declared a state of emergency due to flooding along the Coeur d’Alene and St. Joe Rivers. The Sheriff’s Office says deputies are actively patrolling flooded areas and assisting residents with evacuations as conditions continue to change.
Idaho Trade Mission
A 12-member Idaho agriculture delegation, led by the State Department of Agriculture and Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke, traveled to Southeast Asia to expand trade ties. Dairy products and hay are already top Idaho exports to Vietnam, and officials say demand shows strong growth potential.
Livestock Killed in Hit-and-Run
A dozen sheep were killed in a hit-and-run crash involving a semi south of Gooding. The crash happened around 8 a.m. on Highway 46 at Shoestring Road. Authorities are investigating.
Immigration Arrests at Courthouse
Immigration officers detained several people inside the Canyon County Courthouse this week, raising alarms among attorneys and advocacy groups. One attorney warned the arrests could discourage people from showing up for court, undermining access to justice.
Wreaths Across America
Declo High School students honored 164 veterans at the Declo Cemetery through the Wreaths Across America program. Students researched local veterans’ lives as part of the program’s mission to remember, honor, and teach.
Charges Dismissed
Prosecutors have dismissed kidnapping charges against 24-year-old Michael Raine, a BYU-Idaho student accused of taking a baby from a Costco cart. The Bonneville County Prosecutor says newly reviewed video shows no criminal intent.
Firefighter Returns Home
Idaho wildland firefighter Justin Shaw returns home Monday after 16 months of recovery from a severe injury suffered during the 2024 Coffee Can Saddle Fire. His family is inviting the public to welcome him at Boise Airport at 3 p.m.
Highway 21 Closed
Highway 21 remains closed between Sourdough and Banner Summit following a major rockslide caused by heavy rain. The Idaho Transportation Department says both lanes will stay closed until debris can be safely cleared.
SPORTS
High School Basketball Preview
It’s a packed stretch on the high-school hardwood across the Magic Valley. Boys’ varsity play begins today with West Jefferson facing Filer at 12:10 at the Ririe Bulldog Shootout. Minico follows later this afternoon, taking on Kelso, Washington, at 3:30 at the Capital Classic in Boise. Friday night features Gooding at Homedale and Wood River at Payette, both tipping at 7:30.
Saturday brings a full slate, including the Small School Showcase in Mountain View starting at 11:30 a.m. Additional games around the Valley include Castleford at Challis and Caldwell at Wood River at 3:00, followed by Buhl at Snake River at 4:00.
Girls’ Basketball
Girls’ action tips off today with Hagerman at Cascade at 2:00 and Prairie facing Oakley in New Plymouth at 5:30. Friday night includes Challis at Dietrich at 7:00, followed by a full lineup of 7:30 games across the Valley. Saturday play continues throughout the afternoon and wraps with conference matchups Saturday night.
Scores
The Valley Vikings boys picked up a 43–26 road win over Hagerman. Other boys results include Capital over Minico 76–36, Nampa Christian edging Filer 49–46, and Kimberly beating Snake River 49–42.
On the girls’ side, Bishop Kelly slipped past Kimberly 52–51, Hillcrest beat Twin Falls 58–45, and Borah defeated Burley 54–36 at the Hillcrest TitleOne Tournament.
Pomerelle Update
Warm temperatures and limited snowfall could push Pomerelle Mountain toward its latest opening day on record. The ski area is targeting December 19 as crews continue base building and wait for sustained cold.
College Sports
Boise State heads to the Bucked Up LA Bowl Hosted by Gronk to face Washington Saturday night at 6:00 Mountain Time at SoFi Stadium. The Broncos are 9–4 and coming off a Mountain West Championship win over UNLV. The game airs nationally on ABC.
Idaho State men fell 73–69 at Utah Valley, while the Bengals women dropped a hard-fought 68–59 decision at BYU after leading at halftime.
WEATHER
Today and Tonight
Sunny today with a high near 58. Winds shift this afternoon. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 34.
Weekend Outlook
Saturday stays mostly sunny with a high near 57. Sunday remains sunny with highs in the mid-50s.
Next Week
Clouds increase early next week with rain chances returning Monday night and continuing through midweek. Cooler highs arrive by Wednesday and Thursday, with rain possibly mixing with snow overnight.
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