POLITICS WATCH: GOVERNOR’S RACE HEATS UP

Brad Little has filed to run for a third term as Idaho governor. He’ll face Republican challengers in the May 19 primary, with Democrats, Libertarians, and an independent also in the race. Winners move on to the November 3 general election. Candidate filing closes Friday at 5 p.m.

EDUCATION: BOOK CHALLENGES IN TWIN FALLS

Cierra Clarke, founder of Moms for Liberty Twin Falls, has challenged more than 95 books in the Twin Falls School District. Two have been removed so far. Superintendent Brady Dickinson says the district is following policy, with volunteer review committees in place and a retired librarian being paid $2,500 to coordinate the process.

TAX UPDATE: STANDARD DEDUCTION FILERS CLEARED

The Idaho State Tax Commission says if you’ve already filed and took the standard deduction, you’re good — the state’s updated its system and no amended return is needed. If you’re planning other deductions, like car loan interest or tips, you may want to wait for more guidance.

STATEHOUSE: MEDICAID PROGRAM STALLS

A draft bill to temporarily reinstate Idaho’s Healthy Connections Medicaid program is stalling at the Statehouse. Lawmakers cut the program last year, but some now say that move may have been accidental. Supporters argue restoring it could save millions; there’s currently no clear path to fund it.

TWIN FALLS COUNTY: HYDRO PLANT AT RISK

A family-owned hydro plant in Twin Falls County may be forced to close, potentially cutting off public access to Pillar Falls. The Perron family needs a permit to barge equipment up the Snake River from Centennial Park. County officials worry about damage to the aging boat ramp. A public meeting is March 2.

TWIN FALLS POLICE: RV FIRE INVESTIGATION

Twin Falls Police Department is looking for the owner of an RV that caught fire in a Blue Lakes North parking lot. The vehicle was heavily damaged and towed. No injuries were reported.

COURTS: TREATMENT PROGRAMS AT RISK

Nearly $4 million in budget cuts could shut down 70 treatment court programs across Idaho. The Idaho Judicial System warns the cuts threaten drug, mental health, and veterans’ courts that aim to reduce crime and keep people out of prison.

FEDERAL COURT: AMBULANCE THEFT CASE

A Boise woman has pleaded not guilty to federal charges after allegedly stealing an ambulance and crashing it into Portico North. Sarah Elizabeth George faces two counts of malicious destruction of property, each carrying up to 20 years in prison.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

DISTRICT BASKETBALL SHAKEUP

Big night in boys district basketball — #2 Burley drops 100 points on #4 Mountain Home, winning 100 to 66. Mountain Home is eliminated, and Burley now heads to Minico tomorrow at 6pm.

In 2A, the Valley Vikings are Snake River Conference champs for the third time in three years, edging Murtaugh 44-41 in double overtime. Diego Damian and Devin Christensen came up clutch late. Hagerman beat Sun Valley 54-50 and faces Murtaugh tomorrow at 7 at Jerome High for a state berth. Wendell rolled Malad 64-32 and will host West Side tomorrow in an elimination game.

Twin Falls is district champ after beating Minico 56-38 for the third time this season. The Bruins are headed back to state. Also, Canyon Ridge knocks off top seed Thunder Ridge 72-65 and now hosts Rigby tomorrow with a state spot on the line.

CSI GOLDEN EAGLES: WEEK OF HONORS

It’s a big week for the Golden Eagles! CSI Baseball’s Noah Gatti is Scenic West Athletic Conference Player of the Week after hitting an incredible .625 in a four-game sweep of Big Bend, finishing with five runs scored and a .727 on-base percentage. Teammate Grayson Riding earns Pitcher of the Week honors for the second straight week. The Oregon State commit threw a complete-game one-hitter with six strikeouts as CSI extended its win streak to 12 games. The Golden Eagles host Prairie Baseball Academy Friday through Sunday.

On the softball side, Emerson Fuller is Pitcher of the Week after leading CSI to three wins over Southern Nevada. And in women’s basketball, Ashley Garner earns Player of the Week honors with 22 points and 14 rebounds in the Eagles’ fifth straight victory.

BOISE STATE MEN: BRONCOS BUILDING MOMENTUM

The Boise State Bronco men made it two straight, beating the Wyoming Cowboys 72-62 yesterday at ExtraMile Arena. Dylan Andrews led the way with 20 points, while Drew Fielder added 18. The Broncos sweep the season series and now head to California to face Fresno State at Save Mart Center Saturday at 6 p.m. Mountain Time.

The Boise State Broncos host first-place San Diego State Aztecs tonight at ExtraMile Arena. Tipoff is 6:30 Mountain Time. The Aztecs are 22-4 and already conference champs, but Boise State is chasing its 14th Mountain West win and looking to snap a four-game skid in the series.

WEATHER OUTLOOK

TODAY

Showers likely this morning before 11, then mostly cloudy and breezy with a high near 50 and gusts up to 30.

Today: Showers likely, mainly before 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Breezy, with a west wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

TONIGHT

Mostly cloudy, low around 32.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. West southwest wind 5 to 13 mph.

THURSDAY

Sunshine returns.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. West northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming south southwest in the evening.

FRIDAY

Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.

WEEKEND

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 41.

Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.