Idaho Politics & Law
House Passes Bill Restricting Minor Exposure to “Indecent Sexual Exhibitions”
Idaho’s House has passed a bill restricting minors from exposure to “indecent sexual exhibitions,” including certain drag performances. Rep. Jack Nelsen of Jerome was one of two Republicans who opposed the measure. The bill passed 54-11 and now heads to the Senate.
Governor Signs Stricter Marijuana Law
Governor Brad Little has signed House Bill 7 into law, imposing a minimum $300 fine for possessing up to three ounces of marijuana. Idaho remains one of the strictest states on marijuana laws.
Mortgage Transparency Bill Advances
The Idaho House passed a bill requiring mortgage lenders to disclose when they purchase mortgage trigger leads, aiming to increase transparency for homebuyers. The bill now moves to the Senate.
Rental Application Fees Bill Moves Forward
Meanwhile, a bill limiting rental application fees has cleared the full Senate after amendments and is moving toward final approval.
Traffic & Public Safety
Crash Blocks Right Lane on I-84 Eastbound
A crash on I-84 Eastbound near Exit 211 is blocking the right lane. The incident was reported around 4:15 PM, and authorities expect the lane to remain closed for about two hours. Expect delays in the area.
Fatal Crash on I-84 in Gooding County
Idaho State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred Monday before noon on westbound I-84 in Gooding County. A 29-year-old woman from Twin Falls lost control of her Subaru Legacy, overcorrected, and rolled off the interstate. She died at the scene.
Flooding in Cassia County
Cassia County is experiencing flooding due to rapid snowmelt from rising temperatures.
- Albion was hit first, followed by Declo
- The Cassia County Sheriff’s Office reported flooding on Highway 77, north of Highway 81
- Officials say water levels are beginning to recede after minor overnight flooding
Heyburn Man Sentenced for Vehicular Manslaughter
A Heyburn man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for running over his friend with his car.
- Braxton Streling (22) pleaded guilty to felony vehicular manslaughter
- Peyton Walton (20) was killed in the incident
- Streling must serve seven years fixed before parole eligibility
Gas Prices Show Slight Drop
Idaho drivers are seeing minor relief at the pump after weeks of rising prices.
- AAA reports the state’s average price at $3.19 per gallon
- Down two cents from last week
- Still higher than last month and last year
Sports
Valley Vikings Remain Undefeated!
The Valley Vikings are now 22-0 after winning the Snake River Championship, defeating Hagerman 69-51.
- Nathan Christensen led with 21 points
- Josh Hardy added 20 points
- The Vikings head to the 2A state tournament to defend their perfect season
- Hagerman will face Oakley tomorrow for a shot at state
3A & 2A Tournament Updates
- 3A South East Idaho Tournament: Declo defeated West Side 55-45 to advance to the state play-in game
- Carter Robertson: 14 points
- Joey Garrard: 12 points
- 2A Snake River Tournament: Oakley edged out Glenns Ferry 53-48
- Oakley faces Hagerman tomorrow in Jerome, with the winner earning a spot at state alongside Valley
Boise State Hosts Utah State Tonight
Boise State faces Utah State in a crucial Mountain West matchup at ExtraMile Arena.
- Tipoff: 8:30 PM
- With a win, Boise State would secure their 12th 20-win season under Leon Rice
- The Broncos have a strong home record and rank second in the conference in scoring defense
- Utah State (24-4) has been tough on the road, losing only twice away from home
Idaho Vandals’ Playoff Push
With three games left, Idaho sits fifth in the Big Sky Conference but could finish anywhere between third and seventh.
- Next game: Thursday vs. Idaho State in the King Spud Rivalry
- Idaho State won the first matchup behind Dylan Darling’s 28-point performance
- The Vandals look to bounce back at home
Idaho State’s Tight Schedule
Idaho State wraps up the regular season with three games in five days:
1⃣ Tomorrow: @ Idaho
2⃣ Saturday: @ Eastern Washington
3⃣ Monday, March 3rd: vs. Northern Arizona (Senior Night for AJ Burgin & Jake O’Neil)
CSI Dominates Weekly Baseball Awards
The College of Southern Idaho (CSI) baseball team swept the SWAC weekly awards:
Jack Barker – SWAC Player of the Week (.625 AVG, 13 RBIs)
Mason Hartle – SWAC Pitcher of the Week (11 strikeouts in 7 innings, earning a win & a save)- CSI is now three games above .500 after an 8-1 week
Weather Forecast
Today: Sunny, high 48°F. Light south-southwest wind (5 mph).
Tonight: Mostly clear, low 28°F. East wind 6-8 mph.
Extended Forecast:
- Thursday: Sunny, high 53°F. Light east wind.
- Thursday Night: Mostly clear, low 26°F.
- Friday: Sunny, high 53°F.
- Friday Night: Mostly clear, low 27°F.
- Saturday:
Mostly sunny, high 55°F. - Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 56°F.
30% chance of rain after 11 PM
- Monday: 50% chance of rain, high 47°F.
- Tuesday:
30% chance of rain & snow, high 46°F.
