Your Daily Briefing – 30 de Enero 2025

LOCAL NEWS

House Fire in Twin Falls Claims One Life 🔥🚒💔
Just before 9:00 AM yesterday, following two dropped 911 calls, a Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Deputy reported a house fire on Ford Place. Emergency crews rescued one victim, but a woman later identified by the coroner as Pam Bolton tragically died at the scene. Rock Creek Fire assisted, and the fire was controlled by 9:50 AM. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Jerome School District Announces Staff Layoffs 📉🏫💼
The Jerome School District will be laying off 17 classified (hourly) positions and three salaried positions by the end of the week. In a letter to personnel, Superintendent Brent Johnson stated that the job eliminations are due to “over-allocation in major staff areas.”

University Officials Defend Costs and Address Accountability ⚖🏛💰
Before lawmakers at the statehouse yesterday, Boise State University President Marlene Tromp defended $1.5 million in legal costs related to the Big City Coffee court battle. Meanwhile, Idaho State University’s Robert Wagner pledged greater accountability after returning $850,000 from a failed forensic project. Legislators also pressed both institutions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) budget cuts and changes to student support programs.

Bill to Move Public Notices Online Shelved 📰📱🚫
The Idaho House shelved a bill that would have moved public notices online instead of publishing them in newspapers. The measure was designed to reduce costs but faced opposition from newspaper industry representatives. The House State Affairs Committee voted 9-6 to hold the bill.

Proposed Bill Would Allow Governor to Veto Ballot Initiatives 🗳🚫🏛
Idaho lawmakers introduced a bill that would grant the governor the power to veto voter-approved ballot initiatives. Representative Bruce Skaug argued that the measure protects against a “misinformed electorate.” However, initiatives receiving two-thirds support from voters would bypass the veto.

Idaho House Passes Bill Banning Government-Imposed Mask Mandates 😷🚫🏛
The Idaho House passed a bill prohibiting government-imposed mask mandates for infectious diseases. Supporters say the measure is a victory for personal freedom, while opponents argue it limits local government control. The bill now moves to the Senate.

Ride TFT Expands Payment Options for Twin Falls Passengers 🚖💵📲
Starting this Saturday, Ride TFT passengers in Twin Falls can pay with cash using the app and will no longer need to call dispatch to schedule a ride. After updating the app, users can select “Pay with cash/voucher” and provide exact fare to the driver at pickup. Vouchers and LINC cards will also be accepted. Dispatch services will remain available for those who prefer to call.


SPORTS

No. 5 Valley Vikings Upset Top-Ranked Oakley in Thriller 🏀🔥🎉
In a stunning regular-season finale, the No. 5 Valley Vikings defeated top-ranked Oakley 60-57. Senior Lexi Huettig led Valley with 27 points, while Oakley’s Addy Maseda contributed 18 in the loss. These teams could face off again in the 2A District Championship.

Boise State Snaps Losing Streak in College Basketball 🏀💪🎉
Boise State ended a two-game skid with a 66-56 victory over Nevada at ExtraMile Arena. Javan Buchanan led the Broncos with 19 points off the bench, while Alvaro Cardenas and Tyson Degenhart added 18 and 17, respectively. The Broncos’ defense held Nevada to just 20% shooting in the first half and never trailed after the opening minutes. Boise State, now 9-1 at home, faces Fresno State on Saturday.

Idaho Vandals Prepare for Big Sky Showdown Against Weber State 🏀💥🏆
The Idaho Vandals look to rebound from a tough 106-76 loss as they face Weber State in a Big Sky Conference matchup. Idaho is led by Olivia Nelson, who averages 13.4 points per game and ranks 15th nationally in field goal defense. Despite a 7-10 record, Weber State enters the game on a two-game winning streak. Tip-off is set for tonight.


WEATHER ⛅❄🌧

Thursday:

  • Day: Sunny, with a high near 44°F. Light and variable wind becoming west around 6 mph.
  • Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 26°F. South-southeast wind 5-10 mph.

Friday:

  • Day: A 40% chance of snow after 11:00 AM. Increasing clouds, with a high near 44°F. South wind 9-11 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
  • Night: Rain. Snow level rising from 5,500 to 6,300 feet. Low around 37°F. Southwest wind 9-13 mph. Chance of precipitation: 80%. Expected accumulation: 0.1-0.25 inches.

Saturday:

  • Day: Rain, with a snow level of 5,600 feet. High near 46°F. Southwest wind 14-18 mph, with gusts up to 29 mph. Chance of precipitation: 90%. Expected accumulation: 0.1-0.25 inches.
  • Night: Rain likely before 8:00 PM, then snow. Low around 33°F. Chance of precipitation: 80%. Expected snow accumulation: less than 0.5 inches.

Sunday:

  • Day: Snow before 11:00 AM, then rain. High near 43°F. Chance of precipitation: 80%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
  • Night: Rain likely before 11:00 PM, then a chance of rain and snow. Snow level at 4,900 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34°F. Chance of precipitation: 60%.

Stay tuned for more updates on weather and local news. 📻📅🌎