News
Restaurant Explosion in Twin Falls
A small explosion at a Twin Falls restaurant injured a worker yesterday morning. Fire crews responded to Slice on Main Street shortly after 10 a.m. A worker had attempted to light a piece of equipment, resulting in burns to her head. Fortunately, there was no structural damage to the building.
Idaho Legislature Prepares for Session
The Idaho Legislature’s budget committee held an orientation yesterday at the State Capitol to prepare new members for the upcoming session. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, a powerful legislative body, meets daily during the session to set budgets for all state agencies and departments.
Potential Changes to Idaho Medicaid Expansion
Some believe 2025 could bring significant changes to Idaho’s Medicaid expansion, a policy that expanded health insurance assistance to lower-income earners and was widely approved by voters in 2018. However, many Republican lawmakers argue that Medicaid expansion is a primary driver of the program’s budget growth.
Idaho Income Growth Tops Nation
Idahoans may be seeing higher paychecks, with the state leading the nation in income growth from 2019-2023 at 15.5%. The Gem State’s median household income was $78,538 during this period, compared to $64,625 between 2014-2018.
Black Bear Cub Relocated in Ketchum
A young black bear cub was relocated from Ketchum earlier this month after frequent sightings. Fish and Game biologists trapped the cub following reports of it scavenging residential garbage and bird feeders.
BLM Acquires Land for Conservation
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) acquired 281 acres, known as Queen’s Crown, from the Wood River Land Trust. The land will support wildlife migration, improve habitat conservation, and expand public access. It borders the Blaine County transfer station.
Sports
Boise State Men’s Basketball Wins Final Nonconference Game
Boise State dominated Texas Southern, 81-52, in its final nonconference game of the season. The Broncos will begin conference play on Saturday, hosting Air Force at ExtraMile Arena. Tip-off is at 1:30 p.m. MT.
Idaho State and Idaho Men’s Basketball Games Tonight
The Idaho State men’s basketball team hosts Utah Valley at Reed Gym tonight at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, the Idaho Vandals face UC Davis in a midweek rematch in Davis, California, at 6 p.m.
CSI Golden Eagles Fall in Arizona
The 15th-ranked CSI Golden Eagles men’s basketball team suffered an 84-79 loss to Arizona Western in Yuma last night. They conclude their Arizona road trip today, facing Central Arizona College at 3 p.m.
Local High School Basketball Results
Boys:
- Canyon Ridge 64, Burley 43
- Jerome 67, Kimberly 58
- Wendell 62, Filer 55
- American Falls 41, Gooding 38
- Declo 56, Firth 40
- Dietrich 74, Camas County 30
- Richfield 66, Hansen 55
Girls:
- Jerome 51, Burley 31
- Rigby 78, Canyon Ridge 19
- Pocatello 56, Twin Falls 17
- Mountain Home 74, Minico 35
- Gooding 57, Filer 55
- Oakley 49, Raft River 37
- Murtaugh 59, Shoshone 23
- Valley 91, Hagerman 33
- Wendell 55, Buhl 34
Today’s High School Basketball Matchups
Girls:
- Kimberly at Buhl
- Wendell at Declo
- Wood River at Filer
- Butte County at Raft River
Boys:
- Minico at Canyon Ridge
- Glenns Ferry at Hagerman
- Buhl at Jerome
- Murtaugh at Oakley
- Lighthouse Christian at Shoshone
- Columbia at Twin Falls
- Sun Valley Community School at Valley
Changes to Idaho Sled Dog Challenge
The 7th annual Idaho Sled Dog Challenge will feature changes in 2025 due to a difficult wildfire season. The race, previously 300 miles, is now 200 miles after the Boulder and Lava fires destroyed a critical bridge near Smiths Ferry. The event will also expand to a “Sled Dog Week” from Jan. 27-31.
Weather
Today: Mostly sunny, high near 46°F, light winds.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, low around 28°F, light winds.
Thursday: Sunny, high near 44°F, with light winds in the morning.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 24°F.
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 46°F.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, low near 25°F.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 48°F.
Saturday Night: A 30% chance of rain, mostly cloudy, low near 32°F.
Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 45°F.
Sunday Night: 50% chance of rain, mostly cloudy, low near 34°F.
Monday: 30% chance of rain, partly sunny, high near 46°F.
Monday Night: 30% chance of rain, mostly cloudy, low near 33°F.
Tuesday: 40% chance of rain, mostly cloudy, high near 47°F.
