12/01/2025

MEDICAID MENTAL-HEALTH CUTS LAWSUIT

Five Idaho patients are suing state health officials to stop planned Medicaid cuts that would eliminate mobile treatment teams for people with severe mental illness. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, argues the cuts by contractor Magellan would end vital services and worsen mental-health crises statewide. The changes are planned to begin in December.

TRUMP CRITICIZES KTVB SALE

President Donald Trump is casting doubt on the proposed sale of Boise’s KTVB-TV, criticizing an FCC plan needed for Nexstar’s $6.2 billion merger with Tegna. The move comes as other major TV deals — including Sinclair’s bid to buy Scripps and Gray Media’s recent station swaps — reshape local broadcasting. Nexstar still says the KTVB deal will move forward.

WILDER STANDOFF ARREST

A multi-hour standoff Wednesday in Wilder ended with the arrest of 38-year-old Sergio Merino Herrera. Canyon County deputies say he fled during a warrant service and barricaded himself in a home before SWAT found him hiding in a crawl space. He’s now jailed on multiple warrants plus new resisting and eluding charges.

JURY-DUTY SCAM ALERT

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is warning residents about a new wave of fake jury-duty scams. Officials say texts, calls, and emails are falsely claiming people missed jury duty and must pay immediately to avoid arrest. Courts never demand payment by link or phone. Anyone targeted is urged to hang up and report it at ReportScamsIdaho.com.

CASPERSON FAMILY LIGHTS RETURN

The Casperson Family Christmas Lights returned Thursday night, bringing a cherished Magic Valley tradition back to life. Started after 9/11 by the late Max Casperson, the display now continues with help from his family, First Federal Bank, and volunteers. The free light show runs nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. through New Year’s Day at First Federal Bank Park and the Sunway Soccer Complex.

RUPERT’S NEW POOL DOME

Rupert’s new retractable dome over the city pool is making waves. City leaders say the year-round cover—believed to be one-of-a-kind west of the Mississippi—marks a major milestone for the town. More than $2 million has been raised for the multi-phase project, with the pool expected to open by late spring. Donations continue as Rupert pushes toward its $3 million goal.

SPORTS

CSI MEN STAY PERFECT

The College of Southern Idaho stayed perfect on both sides of the court this weekend at the Idaho Central Credit Union Invitational. The 13th-ranked CSI men rolled to 9-0, crushing South Puget Sound 108–61. CSI now hosts the Wright PT Shootout, taking on Eastern Arizona and ninth-ranked Odessa.

CSI WOMEN DOMINATE

The 12th-ranked CSI women also dominated, beating Northeastern JC 77–44 to move to 10-0. The Golden Eagles hit the road this week for a tournament in Gillette, Wyoming.

TONIGHT’S HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS

A full slate of high school hoops hits the Magic Valley tonight. At 7 p.m., Castleford travels to Taylor’s Crossing. Then at 7:30, Valley is at Dietrich, Canyon Ridge visits Jerome, Murtaugh heads to Rockland, Carey takes on Shoshone, and Gooding battles Wood River.
In girls’ action at 7:30, Filer squares off with Declo in a strong non-conference matchup.

TEAM PREVIEWS: HAGERMAN, MURTAUGH & RAFT RIVER

Hagerman Pirates

The Hagerman Pirates return key starters, with the boys leaning on improved three-point shooting and physical play, while the girls focus on teamwork, half-court execution, and a defense poised to boost their conference standing.

Murtaugh Red Devils

The Murtaugh Red Devils bring size, athleticism, and a stronger defensive core on the boys’ side, making them a real 1A D1 contender. The girls play fast and physical, led by a standout guard and a transition-heavy attack.

Raft River Trojans

The Raft River Trojans round it out with fundamentally sound boys basketball and a gritty, experienced girls squad built on rebounding and tough defense—both shaping up as district title threats.

BOISE STATE FOOTBALL

Boise State pulled off a thrilling 25–24 comeback win over Utah State Friday. The victory creates a three-way tie atop the Mountain West as Boise State waits on final computer rankings for the championship matchup.

Boise State is headed back to the Mountain West title game after computer rankings broke a four-way tie. The Broncos will host 10–2 UNLV Friday at 6 p.m., aiming for a third straight championship before moving to the Pac-12 next year.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

Boise State Women

Boise State women won the Paradise Jam title, beating Tulane 81–76. Dani Bayes scored 20, Tatum Thompson earned MVP honors, and the Broncos improved to 7–1. They host Cal Baptist on Dec. 6.

Idaho Women

Idaho women won their sixth straight, rolling past Wichita State 83–61. Kyra Gardner led with 21 points as the Vandals improved to 7–1. They now return home to face Oral Roberts on Dec. 3 at ICCU Arena.

Idaho Men

Idaho men fell to Sam Houston 94–68 after a rough second half. Jack Payne led with 14 points, but the Bearkats poured in 57 after the break. The Vandals drop to 4–3 and host North Dakota Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Idaho State Men

Idaho State opens the Big Sky–Summit Challenge this week, visiting Kansas City on Wednesday at 6 p.m. before hosting Denver Saturday at 4. The Bengals enter at 4–4 after an 82–50 win over CSUN.

Idaho State Women

Idaho State women return home to host Omaha Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Reed Gym. The Bengals sit at 4–2 after a split in Hawaii and continue to rank among the Big Sky’s top defensive teams before a long six-game road stretch.

SUN VALLEY OPENS

Sun Valley Resort opens its 90th ski season Wednesday after a weather delay. Skiers will get top-to-bottom access, new advanced terrain, and a community celebration as the first chair spins at 9 a.m.

WEATHER

Mostly sunny today with a high of 41. Clouds move in tonight, holding temps near 34. Tomorrow brings a chance of rain mixing with snow by afternoon, high 44, and breezy west winds. Light snow possible tomorrow night. Wednesday turns partly sunny with a high around 40, and the rest of the week stays cool with on-and-off rain and snow chances.

Detailed Forecast

Today: Mostly sunny, high near 41.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, steady around 34.

Tuesday: Chance of rain after 11 a.m., mixing with snow after 2 p.m. High 44. Breezy west winds.
Tuesday Night: Slight chance of rain/snow, then snow. Low 29.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, high 40.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, low 24.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, high 41.
Thursday Night: 10% chance of snow after 5 a.m., low 31.

Friday: Chance of rain. High 46.
Friday Night: 30% chance of rain, low 36.

Saturday: 50% chance of rain, high 47.
Saturday Night: 20% chance of rain, low 30.

Sunday: Partly sunny, high 46.