Highway Crash in Bingham County
Idaho State Police say a Jerome man was seriously injured after his milk tanker struck a bridge pillar on I-15 near milepost 92 in Bingham County last night. The Riverton Road overpass was damaged and closed, with I-15 traffic detoured between exits 89 and 93.
State Budget Cuts Looming
Idaho state agencies are preparing to cut nearly $89 million next year under Gov. Brad Little’s permanent 3 percent budget holdbacks. The biggest savings come from extending 4 percent Medicaid provider pay cuts—about $41 million—and prison cost reductions. K-12 schools are exempt, but colleges face layoffs to meet $13 million in cuts.
Retirees Push for Pension Relief
A new group called Retired Public Employees of Idaho is urging the state to restore cost-of-living increases for retirees. They say PERSI benefits have only risen 8 percent since 2019, while inflation is up 22 percent. Former Boise Police Chief Mike Masterson says Idaho’s pension system isn’t keeping pace with living costs.
Immigration Crackdown Agenda Returns
Heritage Action, tied to the Heritage Foundation, met in Boise this week urging Idaho lawmakers to renew immigration crackdown bills next session. Speakers backed tougher penalties for harboring undocumented immigrants and requiring schools to track student immigration status.
Illegal Gambling Probe in Wilder
New federal court filings reveal nearly half a million dollars in payments tied to an alleged illegal gambling ring at La Catedral Racetrack in Wilder. Five people face charges, including Dayana Fajardo, who allegedly resisted arrest. Over 100 others were detained by immigration officials during the raid.
Rural Health Task Force Announced
Governor Brad Little has created a new Idaho Rural Health Task Force under his “Making Rural Idaho Healthy Again Act.” The group will guide Idaho’s bid for $1 billion in federal rural health funding made available through President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.
Teen Exploitation Case
An 18-year-old California man faces felony charges after allegedly emailing explicit photos and videos of a Twin Falls teen to nearly 50 College of Southern Idaho employees. Thomas Farley was extradited to Idaho and is held on $100,000 bond.
SPORTS
Shelley Volleyball Dominates Twin Falls
Shelley’s volleyball team made a statement Thursday, sweeping Twin Falls 3-0 to open the state tournament in payback for last year’s loss to the Bruins. Ashtyn Davis led the Russets with 16 digs, while Emmersyn Drollinger added eight. Shelley is now 25-8 and faces Lakeland this morning at 3:30. Twin Falls, now 15-14, takes on Moscow at 11.
Boise State Women’s Soccer Makes History
Boise State women’s soccer wrapped up an undefeated Mountain West season yesterday, beating Utah State 3-0. Sophie Schmautz, Jillian Anderson, and Kayla Soderstrom each scored in the second half as the Broncos improved to 10-3-6 overall and 8-0-2 in conference play. They’re the first Mountain West team to go unbeaten in league play since 2012 and will host the conference championship starting Sunday.
Broncos Battle Fresno State for Milk Can Trophy
Boise State football hosts Fresno State Saturday at 1:30 on The Blue in the battle for the Milk Can trophy. The Broncos are 4-0 in Mountain West play and riding a 16-game home winning streak — tied for the nation’s longest. Fans can catch the action on FS1 or the Bronco Radio Network with Bob Behler and Pete Cavender on the call.
Idaho State Volleyball Falls to Sac State
Idaho State volleyball dropped a tough four-set match to Sacramento State last night, 3-1. Abby McClain led the Bengals with 10 kills, while Marci Bell added 9 and hit .333. Idaho State took the third set 25-20 but fell to 7-14 overall and 3-6 in Big Sky play. The Bengals host Portland State tomorrow at 2 p.m. in Reed Gym.
WEATHER
Plenty of sunshine across the Magic Valley today with highs near 56 and light winds. Clouds move in tonight, low around 38. A warm-up Saturday with highs in the mid-60s and mostly sunny skies, cooling slightly Sunday near 59. Next week stays mild with highs in the 60s and a chance of showers by midweek.
Today: Sunny, high near 56. Light and variable wind.
Tonight: Increasing clouds, low around 38. Calm wind.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 65. Light wind becoming east around 6 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, low around 42. Calm wind becoming south-southeast around 6 mph in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, high near 59.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low around 36.
Monday: Mostly sunny, high near 65.
Monday Night: Partly cloudy, low around 44.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 61.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, low around 42.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, high near 65.
Wednesday Night: 50 percent chance of showers, low around 42.
Thursday: 20 percent chance of showers, partly sunny, high near 54.
