Your Daily Briefing – 03/20/2026

MAGIC VALLEY NEWS HEADLINES

GAS PRICES SURGE
Idaho drivers are feeling it at the pump this morning—Boise and Lewiston gas prices just topped 4 bucks, and the state average could hit it by today. AAA says we’re at $3.98, up 14 cents overnight.

MEDICAID CUTS PROPOSED
Idaho lawmakers are proposing a new health budget with an additional 21 million dollars in cuts to Medicaid disability services—bringing total impacts to about 65 million when federal funds are factored in.

CORONER PHOTO BILL
A bill moving through the Idaho Legislature would block the public release of coroner death investigation photos—aimed at protecting families’ privacy. It now heads to the House for consideration.

BUHL POLICE CHASE
A driver is in custody after leading Buhl police on a reckless chase Wednesday night, ending in a crash and foot pursuit. The suspect now faces a felony eluding charge.

CITY SIGN REMINDER
The City of Twin Falls is reminding residents that temporary signs must stay on private property and out of public right-of-way, to keep streets safe and the city clean.

AG POWER BILL
A bill headed to the Idaho House would give the attorney general power to seek removal of local officials who willfully violate state law, after warnings and court action.

GOODING COUNTY MURDER CASE
Testimony continues in Gooding County in the case against Cesar Padilla Aguilar, accused of shooting and killing 35-year-old Matthew Bodsford in Wendell. Investigators say the two knew each other. Aguilar now faces first-degree murder charges, with an arraignment set for April 14.

VOTER PAMPHLET FUNDING BLOCKED
The Idaho House has rejected funding for a required statewide voter pamphlet, leaving the Secretary of State’s office without the money needed to mail it ahead of the 2026 election. Lawmakers may revisit the issue before the session ends.

SHERIFF CLEARED, RETIRING
The Idaho Attorney General has declined to file charges against Jerome County Sheriff George Oppedyk after an investigation into alleged misconduct. Oppedyk has since announced his retirement, which takes effect April 18.

TWIN FALLS CRIMINAL CASE
A Twin Falls woman is facing serious charges, including rape and lewd conduct involving a minor. Thirty-nine-year-old Kassandra Meads is now under a no-contact order with minors, including her own children, as the case moves forward.

SPORTS

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL SCORES
Big day on the diamond at the Bucks Bags Tournament—Burley absolutely rolled Sugar-Salem 17 to 1, and they’re back in action Friday against Columbia and Century. Minico crushed Caldwell 21 to nothing, and Nampa dominated Mountain Home 23 to 4. Preston topped Kimberly 14 to 4, while Malad handled Declo 14 to 1. Wendell edged Firth in a close one, 9 to 8. Twin Falls picked up a solid win over Post Falls, 9 to 2. Columbia slipped past Jerome 4 to 3, and Marsh Valley shut out Mountain Home 10 to nothing.

SOFTBALL SCORES
On the softball side, plenty of offense to go around Thursday—Blackfoot topped Jerome 23 to 12 in a high-scoring matchup. Malad stayed strong in conference play, beating Declo 14 to 8. Wendell had a big day as well, rolling past West Side 18 to 6. And Filer picked up a solid conference win on the road, taking down Buhl 12 to 8. Lots of bats heating up early this season as teams continue to find their rhythm.

BASEBALL WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Big weekend on the diamond—starting today at the Buck’s Bags Spring Classic, Burley takes on Columbia and Century, while Minico faces Timberlake and later Thunder Ridge. Jerome’s got a busy slate too, battling Skyview, Capital, and Timberline. Twin Falls squares off with Lewiston, Timberline, and even Willamette out of Oregon. Locally, Wendell heads to Buhl, Kimberly hosts Fruitland, and Mountain Home takes on Meridian and Sugar-Salem. Tomorrow, Filer looks to stay hot with a doubleheader against American Falls, Declo meets Lighthouse Christian twice, and Burley wraps things up against Caldwell.

SOFTBALL WEEKEND ACTION
Softball action is stacked this weekend—Wendell’s hosting a full tournament both today and tomorrow with teams like Ririe, Salmon, Marsh Valley, and Firth all in town. Over at the Win the Pitch Spring Break Classic, Twin Falls, Jerome, and Kimberly are all in action at Owyhee and Vallivue. Tomorrow, Minico hosts Shelley for a doubleheader, and Filer hits the road to take on Parma. Kimberly stays unbeaten heading into the weekend, while Jerome sits even at 2-and-2.

CSI BASEBALL
CSI baseball rolled Thursday, run-ruling USU Eastern 11 to 1—and head coach Boomer Walker picked up career win number 700. The Golden Eagles are back home Friday for a doubleheader.

IDAHO VANDALS MEN
The Idaho Vandals’ tournament run comes to an end, falling to number two Houston 78 to 47—but a huge season for Idaho, finishing with 21 wins and a return to March Madness for the first time in 36 years.

BOISE STATE SOFTBALL
Boise State softball is back home this weekend, opening conference play at home with a three-game series against Fresno State—first pitch tonight at six, then continuing through Sunday.

IDAHO WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
For the first time in a decade, Idaho women’s basketball is dancing—taking on fourth-seeded Oklahoma tonight at 7. A historic 29-win season and Big Sky title, now it’s March Madness time for the Vandals.

IDAHO STATE SOFTBALL
Idaho State softball split with Oregon State Thursday—falling 9 to 4, then bouncing back with a 9 to 1 run-rule win. Bengals go for the series win Friday at home.

IDAHO STATE FOOTBALL
Idaho State football is back on the field for spring ball, and year two under defensive coordinator Grant Duff already showing more confidence and growth as the Bengals build toward fall.