EDUCATION & BUDGET WATCH

K–12 Funding Pressure
Some Idaho school leaders say they’re preparing budget cuts if lawmakers keep K-12 funding flat next year. Even though schools are exempt from statewide reductions, rising costs for insurance, utilities, and supplies mean the budget still amounts to a cut for many districts.

Courthouse Carry Costs
Twin Falls County Sheriff Jack Johnson says House Bill 621, allowing concealed carry in courthouse administrative areas, could cost the county more than $1.2 million. He says the new judicial complex would need added security and deputies at each courtroom entrance.

Benji’s Law Advances
A bill called Benji’s Law is moving forward at the Idaho Legislature following the death of a 12-day-old Nampa baby last December. The measure would require faster child welfare response times in high-risk infant cases.

STATE POLITICS & POLICY

AG Budget Warning
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is asking lawmakers to restore nearly $1 million in budget cuts, warning his office could face massive furloughs or layoffs. Labrador says with 89% of costs tied to personnel, employees may take up to three weeks of unpaid leave next year if funding isn’t restored.

Poll Worker Verification Bill
A bill requiring Idaho poll workers to verify voter affidavits before issuing ballots is headed to the full Senate. The measure would require voters to include a birth date or ID number, adding another layer of verification at the polls.

Local Government Funding Freeze Bill Stalls
A bill that would let the state freeze funds to local governments over suspected law violations has stalled in committee. Lawmakers say they’re revising House Bill 743 after concerns it could punish cities before any court ruling.

Party Affiliation Deadline
Idaho voters wanting to change their party affiliation ahead of the May 19 primary must do so by March 13. Party registration determines which primary ballot you can receive.

Hearing Controversy
Idaho lawmakers are facing backlash after a man testified in what advocacy groups called “brown face” during a House Business Committee hearing on an E-Verify bill. Vice Chair Josh Wheeler allowed the testimony to continue, drawing criticism from civil rights groups demanding an apology.

CRIME & COURTS

Stolen Vehicle Arrest
A Meridian man, 19-year-old Jeremiah Quinones, was arrested in Twin Falls after police say he was found in a stolen vehicle. Lieutenant Steven Gassert says Quinones now faces multiple charges, including possession of a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest.

Lottery Theft Charge
A Buhl woman is facing a felony charge after investigators say she stole lottery tickets from the convenience store where she worked. 49-year-old Heather J. Braten is accused of taking $145 in tickets and cashing in a $5 winner.

SPORTS

District Boys Basketball Results
In district Boys High School Basketball last night at CSI, Camas County topped Castleford 52-36, and Carey beat Dietrich 54-37. Over in Kimberly, Filer rolled past the Bulldogs 70-46.

Tonight’s District Matchups
Burley travels to Minico, Rigby is at Canyon Ridge, Hagerman takes on Murtaugh in Jerome, Declo heads to Soda Springs, and West Side battles Wendell. Big night with state tournament spots on the line.

Magic Valley All-Stars
Four Magic Valley standouts are headed to the Idaho High School Activities Association all-star games March 21st at North Idaho College. Oakley’s Taylin Beck is the lone girls selection after helping lead the Hornets’ championship run. Wendell twins Jordon and Jonathan Swainston make the boys roster, along with Burley’s leading scorer Nash Gillette.

CSI National Recognition
Big honor for the College of Southern Idaho. After a dominant win over North Idaho, Ashley Garner has been named NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Player of the Week. The sophomore posted 22 points and 14 rebounds, going a perfect 14-for-14 at the line. CSI can clinch the Scenic West title today at home against USU Eastern.

Boise State Battle
Tough one in Boise last night. Boise State women fell to Mountain West regular season champ San Diego State, 66-64. The Broncos led at halftime, but the Aztecs rallied late. Tatum Thompson and Natalie Pasco each scored 14. Boise State wraps up the home schedule Saturday against Utah State.

Idaho Vandals Rolling
The Idaho Vandals women are on the road for their final away game of the regular season, heading to Flagstaff to face Northern Arizona. Idaho sits first in the Big Sky at 23-and-5, riding a 12-game winning streak and averaging nearly 80 points a game. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.