MAGIC VALLEY NEWS ROUNDUP

STATE BUDGET OUTLOOK

A new state report shows Idaho could face a 44-million-dollar budget deficit this fiscal year, with revenue collections running about 90 million dollars below projections through February. Officials say it’s still early in the fiscal cycle and the budget could still balance depending on revenue performance in the coming months.

SCAM ALERT IN CASSIA COUNTY

The Cassia County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about scam calls and text messages circulating again. Officials say law enforcement will never call to demand money for a warrant. Authorities also say DMV text messages claiming unpaid tickets are fake and should be ignored.

GENDER TRANSITION BILL PASSES HOUSE

The Idaho House has passed a bill requiring schools and health providers to notify parents if a minor requests a gender-related social transition.
House Bill 822 passed on a 59-to-9 vote and now heads to the Idaho Senate for consideration.

MEMORIAL TARGETS FEDERAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Idaho lawmakers have introduced a memorial supporting the elimination of the federal Department of Education. The proposal would formally urge Idaho’s congressional delegation to support turning education oversight fully back to the states.

JEROME ECONOMIC UPDATE

Jerome leaders met with local businesses yesterday during a Jerome Chamber event.
Mayor Chris Barber highlighted downtown growth, new jobs, and infrastructure projects, saying the goal is to keep the city growing while maintaining a strong community.

BUHL POLICE SETTLEMENT

The City of Buhl has agreed to a $500,000 settlement with Eli Johnson after a judge ruled police violated his constitutional rights during a 2023 arrest at his home.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN BURLEY

Construction is underway on Burley Avenue in Burley. Crews are widening the road to three lanes between Fruitland Avenue and Highway 30. One lane remains open during construction, which is expected to continue through late August.

KRATOM BILL UNDER REVIEW

Idaho lawmakers are considering a bill that would classify kratom as a Schedule One controlled substance, making it illegal to sell or possess in the state.
House Bill 864 has been sent to the House Health and Welfare Committee for review.

STATE AGENCY MERGER STALLS

A dispute over staffing tied to nuclear energy oversight has stalled Idaho lawmakers’ plan to merge two state agencies. Instead, the Legislature’s budget committee voted to eliminate funding for both offices beginning July 1.

SPORTS

HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL

In Magic Valley softball action, Burley split a doubleheader at Idaho Falls, dropping game one 8-3 but bouncing back with an 11-10 win in game two. The Bobcats return home Saturday to host Vallivue at 11 a.m.

Jerome had a dominant day at Century, winning both games 29-5 and 28-0.

Gooding also picked up a win, defeating Declo 14-2.

Today’s Schedule

Skyline at Canyon Ridge
Preston vs. Minico
Twin Falls at Pocatello
Skyview at Jerome
Gooding at Buhl

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

Jerome dropped a doubleheader at Bishop Kelly, losing 4-1 and 6-1.

Filer picked up a strong 11-1 win over Wendell, while Idaho Falls swept Wood River 11-0 and 6-1.

Twin Falls edged Canyon Ridge 9-7, and Minico fell to Shelley 4-2.

Today’s Schedule

Burley hosts Malad, first pitch at 4:30 p.m.

BOISE STATE SEASON ENDS

Boise State’s season ended last night in the Mountain West Tournament, falling to San Jose State 84-74 in the opening round.

Javan Buchanan led the Broncos with a standout performance, scoring 28 points and grabbing 13 rebounds for his first double-double of the season.

Andrew Meadow added 17 points as Boise State finishes the year 20-12.

IDAHO VANDALS HEADED TO THE BIG DANCE

In men’s basketball, the Idaho Vandals are headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1990.

Idaho defeated Montana 77-66 in Boise to win the Big Sky Tournament championship.

Isaiah Brickner led the Vandals with a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds. Idaho allowed just over 63 points per game during the tournament.

The Vandals will learn their NCAA Tournament opponent during Sunday’s Selection Show.

IDAHO WOMEN ALSO NCAA-BOUND

The Idaho Vandals women’s team is also headed to the NCAA Tournament.

Idaho edged Montana State 60-57 in Boise to win the Big Sky Tournament championship.

Ana Beatriz Passos Alves da Silva led the Vandals with 12 points, while Hope Hassmann was named tournament MVP.

The victory gives Idaho a school-record 29 wins and their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2016.

WEATHER

TODAY

Mostly sunny with a high near 61°F.
Breezy conditions develop this afternoon with west winds increasing from 10–15 mph to 16–21 mph.
Wind gusts could reach 38 mph.

TONIGHT

Partly cloudy with a low around 40°F.
West-northwest wind 8–17 mph, becoming southwest after midnight.
Gusts could reach 37 mph.

FRIDAY

Mostly sunny and warmer with a high near 64°F.
West wind 5–15 mph, gusting up to 30 mph.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Mostly cloudy with a low around 44°F.
West-northwest wind 7–14 mph, becoming south-southwest after midnight.
Gusts up to 29 mph.

SATURDAY

40% chance of rain.
Mostly cloudy with a high near 59°F.
Breezy with west winds 9–14 mph increasing to 21–26 mph.
Gusts could reach 48 mph.