MAGIC VALLEY & IDAHO NEWS
STATE POLICY — CHILD CUSTODY OVERHAUL
An Idaho task force is preparing a major overhaul of the state’s child custody laws, proposing a 50/50 baseline custody split, stronger domestic-violence safeguards, and new penalties for violating custody orders. Lawmakers could review the draft next week.
SECOND I-15 CRASH IN 24 HOURS
Idaho State Police are investigating an early-morning crash yesterday on northbound I-15 near milepost 73, where a semi struck a stationary traffic-control truck, tearing open its trailer and spilling cargo. The right lane and Exit 73 remained closed most of yesterday. It was the second crash at the same spot in 24 hours.
IDAHO HOLDS $291 MILLION IN UNCLAIMED MONEY
The state is currently holding more than $291 million in unclaimed funds, and the Treasurer’s Office returned a record $2.25 million last month alone. Residents are urged to check YourMoney.Idaho.gov to see if any of it belongs to them.
SQUIRREL OUTAGE HITS TWIN FALLS
More than 8,300 residents in Twin Falls lost power yesterday afternoon after a squirrel entered an Idaho Power substation. Crews restored power within an hour.
AVALANCHE DANGER IN THE SAWTOOTHS
Avalanche danger is considerable today in the Sawtooth Mountains. Officials warn that high winds can trigger large slides even in sheltered terrain, and conditions can shift quickly with changes in elevation or slope direction.
HOLIDAY TRAVEL RECORD — AAA FORECAST
AAA says more than 122 million Americans, including 700,000 Idahoans, will travel 50 miles or more between December 20 and January 1. The worst traffic is expected December 19 and 20.
COUNTY COMMISSION APPOINTMENT PROCESS BEGINS
Twin Falls County Republicans have nominated Suzanne Hawkins, Greg Lanting, and Ann Reid to replace Commissioner Don Hall. Governor Brad Little has 15 days to select an appointee as Hall transitions to the District 25 House seat.
COEUR D’ALENE TOWN HALL CASE — CHARGES DROPPED
Charges have been dropped against four Lear Asset Management security guards involved in a February GOP town hall incident in Coeur d’Alene. The decision comes after Attorney General Raul Labrador chose not to charge Sheriff Bob Norris. Lear’s city license remains revoked.
SPORTS
HIGH SCHOOL BOYS’ BASKETBALL
Wendell Rallies Past Gooding
Wendell fans had plenty to cheer as the Trojans rallied past arch-rival Gooding 50–45 in their home opener. After trailing by five at the half, Wendell tied the game late in the third quarter and controlled the fourth. Jett Jasper and Jonathan Swainston hit clutch free throws down the stretch. Gooding showed they’ll be a strong team as the season develops.
Other Boys’ Results
Challis edged Dietrich 69–64, Richfield rolled Jackpot 53–24, Canyon Ridge dominated Jerome 62–26, and Buhl defeated Wood River 59–45.
Today’s Boys’ Schedule
Minico opens the action at 3:30 p.m. against Capital in the Capital Classic. Filer meets Nampa Christian at 4:55 p.m. in the Ririe Bulldog Shootout. Richfield plays at North Gem at 6 p.m., followed by Carey vs. Ririe at 6:30 in the same tournament.
Tonight at 7:30, Oakley visits Glenns Ferry, Valley heads to Hagerman, Shoshone plays at Hansen, Snake River visits Kimberly, and Murtaugh takes on Lighthouse Christian.
HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
Girls’ Results
Declo beat Buhl 45–27, Kimberly topped Filer 56–42, Hagerman edged Glenns Ferry 38–33, Highland defeated Canyon Ridge 58–17, Oakley beat Murtaugh 60–27, Rockland handled Castleford 46–21, and Valley cruised past Shoshone 43–14.
Today’s Girls’ Schedule
Kimberly begins at 3:30 p.m. vs. Bishop Kelly in Idaho Falls at the Title One Tip-Off Classic. Carey hosts undefeated Leadore at 6 p.m., while Twin Falls meets Hillcrest at 6:30 in Idaho Falls.
At 7:30 p.m., Marsh Valley visits Buhl, Richfield travels to Rockland, and Wendell faces Soda Springs.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL — BOISE STATE
Men
Boise State extended its win streak to three, rolling Duquesne 86–64 at ExtraMile Arena.
- Pearson Carmichael scored a career-high 26 points with six threes.
- Drew Fielder added 23.
- Javan Buchanan had 15.
The Broncos shot 57% from deep and never trailed. They wrap nonconference play Sunday against Saint Mary’s.
Women
Boise State fell 91–58 to Utah in Salt Lake City. After a competitive 19–19 first quarter, Utah took control in the second.
- Mya Hansen led with 13 points and four threes.
- Natalie Pasco contributed 12.
The Broncos host Southern Utah Saturday in their nonconference finale.
IDAHO VANDALS
Women
Idaho nearly stunned Cal, ultimately falling 68–61. Despite missing star Debora Dos Santos, the Vandals surged with an 11–2 fourth-quarter run to take a brief lead.
Key players included Hope Hassmann (11 points), Ana Pinheiro, and Kyra Gardner. Idaho travels to Logan to face Utah State on Saturday.
Men
Idaho fell 80–65 at Notre Dame. The Vandals briefly led late in the first half behind Jackson Rasmussen’s 14 points, while Biko Johnson paced the team with 19. A late 12–1 Irish run proved decisive. Idaho returns home Sunday to play Evergreen State.
WEATHER
Sunny and mild today with a high near 60°F and breezy west winds. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low around 35°F. Sunshine continues through the weekend with highs in the upper 50s. A chance of rain returns Monday night into Tuesday, with a possible rain–snow mix by Wednesday.
Today: Sunny, high near 60.
Tonight: Mostly clear, low 35.
Friday: Sunny, high 58.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, low 35.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high 57.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, low 31.
Sunday: Sunny, high 55.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low 31.
Monday: Mostly sunny, high 56.
Monday Night: 30% chance of rain, low 39.
Tuesday: 30% chance of rain, high 56.
Tuesday Night: 40% chance of rain, low 37.
Wednesday: 40% chance of rain and snow, high 52.
